1 of Clarendon's finest retires

One of Clarendon County's finest retired Wednesday after 37 years of service in law enforcement. Retiring deputy Preston Stukes is shown with Clarendon County Sheriff Tim Baxley. Stukes served his home county under five different sheriffs. He also served the residents of Manning as a member of the Manning Police Department. Stukes served for the late Randy Garrett when Garrett was Manning Police Chief and again when Garrett was elected sheriff. Stukes is known for his quiet, unassuming demeanor. One former sheriff reminisced about the time Stukes arrived on a scene where gunshots were heard. "We heard him on the radio saying, 'Clarendon, shots fired.' He wasn't excited. His voice never changed. That was Preston."

PHOTO PROVIDED